Extension device for closure mechanism

ABSTRACT

An extension device for remotely opening and closing a valve from a user knob is described. The device includes a flexible connector that allows the user knob to be positioned in various places relative the valve. One use for the disclosed device is with a gas grill, wherein the gas tank is placed in a position that is not easily accessible or is difficult for some persons to access. The extension device may be mounted in various positions on or near the grill allowing the user to open and close the gas tank&#39;s valve before and after use of the grill.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/562,190, filed Dec. 5, 2014, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,562,622,and entitled “Extension Device for Closure Mechanism”, which claimsbenefit of priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 61/912,130, filed Dec. 5, 2013, which are allhereby incorporated by reference into the present application in theirentireties.

FIELD

The disclosed processes, methods, and systems are directed to devicesand methods for remote operation of a closure mechanism, for example aclosure valve on a propane tank.

BACKGROUND

An estimated 80 million Americans use these propane tanks at theirhomes. For example, most gas grills used for outdoor grilling or“barbequing” have propane tanks with a handle to turn the flow of gas onand off. Propane in the tank passes through a main valve positioned onthe tank, through a hose, to the grill. In many cases, the hoseconnecting the propane tank to the grill is a flexible rubber hose,which may aid the user in allowing the propane tank to be positioned invarious places near the grill. The flexible hose may also aid inaccommodating propane tanks of various sizes.

The amount of propane delivered to the grill's burners is usuallycontrolled by a regulator valve on the grill. This regulator valve helpsto control the amount of gas entering the burners and the therefore theheat of the grill. The amount of gas reaching the regulator valve isdependent on the position of the main valve on the propane tank. Thismain valve is opened and closed by the user rotating a valve knob, whichis usually positioned at the top of the propane tank.

The main valve is the first control point for the flow of propane to thegrill. So long as the main valve on the propane tank is open, andpropane is in the tank, propane can enter the hose leading to the grill.With propane in the hose, the grill may be turned “off” and “on” bypositioning the regulator valve in the “off” or “on” position,respectively, and the intensity of the flames controlled by the degreeto which the regulator valve is open. However, if the main valve on thepropane tank is in the “closed” position, no gas will be delivered tothe grill, even if the regulator valve is in the “open” position.

Many users choose to close the main valve on the propane tank when thegrill is not in use. This may prevent unwanted leakage of propane and/orinadvertent ignition of the grill. While the regulator valves, near theburners, are controlled by a knob that is usually positioned at or nearthe face of a grill, the main valve must be opened and closed bygrabbing and turning the knob by hand. This requires accessing thepropane tank main valve. Accessing the propane tank may not be easy, asthe tank may, in some cases, be positioned out of sight—often below,and/or behind the grill. In some cases, the propane tank may bepositioned within a housing that must be opened to reveal the propanetank. Accessing the valve knob of the propane tank may require the userto bend down or lean over, in order to see and grasp the valve knob.This may be inconvenient and in some cases, such as where the grill ishot, dangerous. Thus, inaccessible or inconveniently located valve knobspresent potential hazards for the users of propane grills.

What is needed is the ability to open and close the main valve of apropane tank, even when the tank is not easily accessed by hand.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are extension devices for remotely operating a valve,the device comprising an adaptor, a user knob, and a connector, theconnector comprising a housing and a rod positioned within the housing,wherein the rod is connected at one end to the adaptor and at the otherend to the user knob. The housing can be attached to a side of a grillat or near the user knob, or the rod can extend through a surface of thegrill, wherein the housing may be attached to the surface and/or extendthrough the surface, for example a table or a face of the grill. In someembodiments, the rod is a flexible shaft comprising metal and orplastic, for example a metal rod comprising one or more layers of metalcable or wire. In some embodiments, the adaptor can define a round,tri-point, or 5-point shape, for example a tri-point shape where theadaptor is configured to securedly attach to a valve knob of a gas tank,for example a valve of a propane tank. In many embodiments, the rod issecuredly attached to the adaptor, for example through the use of acollar structure surrounding the rod at or near the end of the rod nearthe adaptor, in some cases the collar engages the rod through one ormore pins or screws, or the collar can be squeezed or crimped around therod. In some embodiments of the extension device, the user knob isattached to the rod by a screw, bolt, or pin. In various embodiments,the adaptor includes one or more tabs extending downward from the top ofthe adaptor, the tabs having one or more detents extending from an innersurface of the tab, wherein the one or more detents may be positioned toengage one or more valve knobs having one or more depths.

Also disclosed are methods for remotely operating a valve, the methodcomprising mounting an adaptor to a valve knob, wherein the adaptor isfixedly attached to a rod at a first end, and the rod is positionedwithin a housing, and the valve knob operates a valve, securedlyengaging the adaptor to the valve knob, mounting a user knob to the rodat a second end, rotating the user knob, transferring the rotation ofthe user knob through the rod and to the adaptor; and thereby operatinga valve. In some embodiments, the adaptor securedly engages the valveknob with one or more pins, screws, bolts, tabs, detents, or acombination thereof, in some cases detents may be defined by an innersurface of a tab that may extend downward from one or more sides of theadaptor. In some embodiments, the rod may comprise one or more layers ofwire and/or cable.

Also disclosed is an extension device for remotely operating a valve ofa propane tank on a barbeque grill, the device comprising an adaptorcomprising one or more tabs extending downward from an upper surface ofthe adaptor, the tabs defining one or more detents defined by the innersurface of the tab, a connector, comprising a housing and a rodpositioned within the housing, wherein the rod comprises one or morelayers of wire or cable, and is connected at one end to the adaptor andat the other end to a user knob; wherein the user knob is reversiblyattached to the rod by a screw, pin, or bolt; and one or more clipsconfigured to attach the housing to a barbeque grill.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the disclosed extensiondevice.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations of an embodiment of the disclosedextension device used with a gas barbeque grill.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are detailed illustrations of one embodiment of anadaptor for use with the disclosed extension device, FIG. 3B shows thedevice in 3A in sectional view.

FIG. 4 is one type of valve knob that may be manipulated using thedisclosed extension device.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are detailed illustrations of one embodiment of anadaptor for use with the disclosed extension device, FIG. 5B shows thedevice in 5A in sectional view.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are detailed illustrations of one embodiment ofconnector for use with the disclosed extension device, FIG. 6B shows thedevice in 6A in sectional view.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are detailed illustrations of one embodiment of thedisclosed extension device showing engagement of one embodiment of theadaptor and connector, FIG. 7B shows the device in 7A in sectional view.

FIG. 8 is a detailed illustration of one embodiment of the disclosedextension device showing indirect engagement of an adaptor and aconnector.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are detailed illustrations of one embodiment of thedisclosed extension device showing engagement of a user knob and aconnector, FIG. 9B shows the device in 9A in sectional view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are devices, methods, and systems for remotely openingand closing a control mechanism. In one embodiment, the controlmechanism may be a valve on a tank, for example a propane tank. Thedisclosed devices, methods, and systems may allow the tank valve to bemanipulated remotely, providing a more convenient and safer method forclosing and opening the valve. The disclosed device includes a userknob, a flexible connector, and an adaptor. The user knob is designed tobe grasped and rotated by a user, and may be located away from theadaptor and/or tank. The adaptor is designed to fixedly engage thecontrol mechanism. The flexible connector is designed to transfer torqueand rotational motion from the user knob to the adaptor, which may belocated some distance from the user knob.

In many cases, the disclosed extension device improves comfort andconvenience for the user. It permits opening and closing of a valve orturning of a valve without having to bend over, lean over, or stretch toreach the valve when it is situated in a lower position from the user'shand and/or behind or within a housing. For example, propane tanks forgas grills are often stored underneath or behind the burners, and mayalso be in an enclosed area. The disclosed extension device makes iteasier to open and close a valve on a tank that is not easilyaccessible, and may also increase appliance safety, e.g., by not havingto bend over near a burning grill. By easily being able to completelyturn on/off the valve, the device may also reduce or prevent potentialgas leaks. This results in an environmentally friendly grill and maysave the user money.

One embodiment of the disclosed extension device is depicted in FIG. 1,and will be used for illustrating the disclosed device and its uses. Inthis embodiment, the disclosed extension device 100 may comprise anadaptor 101 for contacting a valve knob (such as on a propane tank), auser knob 102 that can be grasped by a user, and a connector 103 forconnecting the user knob 102 and the adaptor 101.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, may be used with a propane barbequegrill, as depicted in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, use of a flexibleconnector 103 allows the user knob 102 to be placed in various positionson or near the grill 200. A gas tank 300, here a propane tank, isdepicted near the grill 200, and connected via a hose 305, which carriesgas to the burners, not shown. The adaptor 101 is designed to contactand securedly attach to the propane tank's valve knob 301, such thatrotational movement of the adaptor 101 causes the valve knob 301 (ortank knob) to rotate. Thus, when a user rotates the user knob 102, therotation is transferred through the connector 103 to the adaptor 101,causing the valve knob 301 to rotate with the adaptor 101. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, the user knob is placed on the left sidetable 210, FIG. 2A shows that the user knob 102 is attached to aflexible connector that extends through a top surface 215 of the leftside table 210. Other embodiments may attach the user knob 102 to a sideedge 211 221 or a front edge 212 222 of a side table 210 220. In otherembodiments, the user knob 102 may be positioned at or near the face 202of the grill 200 along with other control devices 205, for exampleburner control knobs or ignition buttons. As discussed below, otherpositions are also possible.

Adaptor

The adaptor, or grip, is configured to be fitted and/or coupled to avalve knob or handle. The adaptor may be constructed of metal, carbonfiber, plastic, rubber, wood, acrylic, combinations thereof, and othersuitable materials. The adaptor is configured such that the adaptor maymechanically engage the valve knob. In some embodiments, the adaptor isconfigured to fit over and/or around the valve knob, in order to engagethe valve knob or handle. In most cases, the adaptor may be designedsuch that it may be adjusted to fixedly and securedly engage the valveknob or handle, but disengage from the valve knob or handle when nolonger need (for example when the tank is empty and being replaced witha tank with gas.

One embodiment of the disclosed adaptor is depicted in FIG. 3. Thisembodiment is designed to engage a tri-point valve knob on a propanetank, which is the predominant shape for propane tank knobs in theUnited States. Other shapes for valve knobs are known, for example,round, 5-pointed, etc. FIG. 4 depicts a valve knob that may be used withthe adaptor embodiment depicted in FIG. 3. The knob 301 shown at FIG. 4has a top surface 310 with a plurality of edges. These edges arepositioned at various distances from a center, the center defining ahole through the surface for accepting an attachment screw 302. Theedges alternate between extensions 310 and recesses 315. Positioned atthe edges and extending downward, is a skirt 320. The skirt may define adepth D, from the top edge 321 of the skirt 320 to a bottom edge 322.

FIG. 3 presents various views of one embodiment of the disclosed adaptorconfigured to engage the knob shown in FIG. 4. This adaptor embodimenthas a multisided shape similar to that of the knob of FIG. 4.Specifically, referring first to FIG. 3A, the adaptor has a top surface1011, with a plurality of edges positioned at various distances from acenter 1015. These edges correspond to the knob 301 edges and defineextensions 1012 and recesses 1013. The center, 1015 may define a hole inthe top surface 1011 that may be configured to accept the connector 103.The adaptor 101 may also comprise a skirt 1014 extending downward from atop edge 1016 to a bottom edge 1017. The skirt 1014 may be continuous ormay be discontinuous (as shown in FIG. 3). The skirt may define a depth,d from the top edge 1016 to the bottom edge 1017, which, in most cases,is greater than the depth D of the knob.

At various positions, the skirt may have a depth d₂ that is greater thand. These positions of the skirt may be referred to as tabs 1018. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, tabs are positioned at the adaptor'sextensions 1012 and adaptor recesses 1013. Positioned at or near thebottom, inner surface of one or more of the tabs 1018, may be a catch ordetent 1019. The detent may be positioned to extend below the lower edge322 of the knob when the adaptor 101 engages the knob 301.

In many embodiments, as the adaptor 101 is lowered about the knob 301the detent will press against the skirt 320 and deflect the tab outward.After the detent reaches and goes beyond the bottom of the skirt the tabwill un-deflect, preventing the adaptor from lifting off the knobwithout intervention from the user. To disengage the adaptor 101 fromthe knob 301, a user will manually deflect the tab 1018 outward from thecenter of the adaptor 101 while moving the adaptor 101 away from theknob 301. When the detent 109 clears the bottom of the skirt 320, theadaptor 101 can be lifted off the knob 301.

Other methods of reversibly connecting the knob 301 and adaptor 101 arecontemplated. For example, set screws may be used to aid in engaging theadaptor and knob. One such embodiment is depicted in FIG. 5. The adaptor2010 of FIG. 5 includes many of the same structures as in the adaptor101 of FIG. 4. This adaptor embodiment 2010 is also able to engage thetri-pointed knob 301 shown in FIG. 3. The adaptor 2010 includes a topsurface 2011 and a plurality of edges 2012 2013 radiating from a center2015. Extending downward from the edges 2012 2013 is a skirt 2014, whichdefines a depth d_(pin) from the top edge 2016 to a bottom edge 2017.Positioned at one or more recesses 2013 or extensions 2012 may be a tab2018. In general the tab may extend beyond the bottom of the skirt 2017,and define a greater depth. In this embodiment, the tabs define a hole2019. The hole 2019 may be configured to accept a pin, or screw (notshown) that may aid in securing the adaptor 2010 and the knob 301. Insome embodiments, the skirt does not include tabs and the holes may bedefined by the skirt. In most cases, the distance between the hole andthe upper edge of the skirt is greater than the depth D of a skirt on aknob to which the adaptor will be engaged. This may help to place a pinor screw below the bottom edge of the knob skirt and prevent the adaptorfrom lifting off the knob. In other embodiments, the screws or pins maycontact the skirt, between its top and bottom edges.

In some embodiments of the adaptor, a spacer may be positioned betweenthe top surface of the knob 305 and the bottom surface of the adaptor.In some embodiments, the spacer may be positioned in contact with thebottom surface of the adaptor before the adaptor is placed over theknob. In some embodiments, the spacer may include an adhesive materialthat may aid in adhering the spacer to the bottom of the adaptor. Thespacer may aid in creating a snug fit between the knob and the adaptor.This may be the case where the skirt of the adaptor is large compared tothe skirt of the knob. One or more spacers may be placed on the surfaceof the knob to aid in creating a good engagement.

The adaptor may be pre-formed to mate with a particular valve knobshape, size, and depth, or may be adjustable to adapt to a variety ofvalve knobs. Thus, the adaptor may include one or more structures foraiding adaption to valve knobs of differing shapes and sizes. Forexample, in the United States, propane tank valve knobs have a standardtri-shape, but tanks with previous five-pointed knobs exist. In order toaid in adapting to valve knobs of varying shapes, the adaptor mayinclude one or more clips, tabs, screws, or other mechanisms that aid inattaching the adaptor to the valve knob or handle, such that the clips,tabs, screws may be adjusted to securedly and fixedly connect theadaptor to the valve knob. In some cases, a spacer may be positionedbetween the valve knob and the adaptor to aid in creating a secure andfixed relationship.

The adaptor may be permanently or reversibly attached to the connector.In some cases the adaptor is molded with the connector in place. In somecases, the connector is inserted into a receiving structure defined bythe adaptor, and the connector is held in place by a tab, detent, orother securing structure, such as a pin, screw, or bolt. Where theadaptor includes a structure for receiving the connector, the structuremay be a recess, port, or hole defined by the upper portion of theadaptor. The receiving structure is typically located at or near thecenter of the adaptor. In some embodiments, the adaptor is modified todirectly engage the valve without the need for a knob.

Connector

The disclosed connector comprises a flexible rod housing (shaft housingor tube) and a flexible rod, positioned within the housing. Theconnector may be constructed of any material that will allow theconnector rod or shaft and housing to flex. In some embodiments, thehousing and rod are constructed of the same or similar materials,whereas in other embodiments the materials may differ. The flexibilityof the connector allows the propane tank to be placed in variouspositions near the grill and within reach of the extension device. Inaddition, the flexible connector may allow the user to select propanetanks of various shapes and sizes for use with the same grill. In someembodiments, the housing is constructed of metal or plastic. In someembodiments the housing is a continuous housing, for example a tube or ahelical housing. In some embodiments, the housing may comprise two ormore. The rod or shaft housing may comprise a plurality of segments thatmay be discrete or may be part of a larger coil or spiral.

The housing defines an outer surface and an inner surface. The innersurface defines an interior space or channel. Positioned within thisinterior space may be a rod or shaft. The rod may be constructed ofvarious materials that allow for it to flex within the housing, forexample metal and/or plastic, for example, aluminum, steel or brass. Insome embodiments, the rod may be a cable and may be covered for exampleby a plastic, neoprene, or/or stainless steel outer sheath. In otherembodiments, the rod is a coil, spring, and/or mechanical linkages or“vertebrae.” The rod may be a continuous structure, or may be segmented,with the segments allowing rotation around a long axis of the rod. Insome embodiments, the rod may be comprised of several layers of wirewrapped around a central wire, wherein each layer of wire wrap is woundaround the central wire in a direction that is opposite of the adjacentlayer. In some embodiments, each layer may comprise one or more wires.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the disclosed connector. The connectorembodiment 103 in FIG. 6A shows the housing 1031 with the rod 1032exiting housing. The housing terminates at fitting 1034. The rod 1032exits the housing 1031 through the fitting, and terminates at an end1033. FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the connector 103 in FIG. 6A. Inthis view, the interior surface 1035 of the housing 1031 is shown. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the flexible rod 1032 isdepicted as a solid structure, as discussed above, in many embodiments,the flexible rod is constructed from successive layers of wire wrappedaround one or more wires, with each layer wound in direction oppositethat of the adjacent layers. In many cases, each layer may comprise morethan one wire.

User Knob

In many cases, the user knob may resemble in shape and size the valveknob. In other embodiments, the user knob is designed for easiergrasping by a user. For example, the user knob may be larger and/or maydefine a lever. The user knob defines an upper surface and a lowersurface. The lower surface of the user knob may define a hole in thesurface, or collar structure that may extend away from the lowersurface. The hole or collar may be configured to accept an end of theflexible rod of the connector.

In use, torque may be applied to the knob and transferred to the gripthrough the flexible shaft. In some embodiments, ratcheting mechanismmay be included with the disclosed device.

Connector/Adaptor Engagement

The flexible rod of the connector may directly or indirectly engage theadaptor. In some embodiments, an end of the flexible rod is insertedinto a hole at the center of the top surface of the adaptor. Theflexible rod may be securedly held by the adaptor in a variety ofmethods. For example, the rod may be inserted into the hole duringmolding of the adaptor, such that the adaptor is molded around the rod.In other embodiments, the rod may be engaged by pins or screws. In otherembodiments, the adaptor may include a collar structure at the hole inthe top surface that is designed to receive the rod end. In someembodiments, the collar's surface may define holes for engaging theinserted rod with one or more pins or set screws. In some embodiments,the collar may be squeezed or crimped such that the collar compressesand holds the rod securedly.

The end of the rod and the hole in the adaptor may be configured toprevent slippage when a rotational force is applied. For example, insome embodiments the end of the rod defines a triangular, square,pentagonal, hexagonal, or other shape, while the adaptor hole defines asimilar and corresponding shape.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of the disclosed extension device whereinthe adaptor and flexible rod are directly engaged. In this embodiment,the adaptor includes a collar 104 that is positioned within the hole1035 defined in the top surface of the adaptor 101. The collar may bemanufactured of various materials, and may be securedly attached to theadaptor, or may be contiguous with the adaptor material, in thisembodiment the collar 104 is depicted as a separate structure. Thecollar 104 is also securedly attached to the rod 1032. This connectionmay be through various methods and structures, including pins, screws,crimping, molding in place, welding, and combinations thereof. Alsoshown in FIG. 7 is a gap, g, between the collar and the fitting 1034,wherein the flexible rod is visible. In most cases the gap, g, is lessthan about 10 cm, 9 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm, 1 cm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm,6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm, and greater than about 0.5 mm, 1mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8mm, 9 mm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, or 9 cm.

Another embodiment for engaging the flexible rod and adaptor is depictedin FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the engagement is indirect, and may beused wherein there is limited space above the valve knob such thatdirect engagement is difficult. This indirect engagement allows the rodand valve to engage at an angle. As shown in this embodiment, rotationof the rod results in rotation of the adaptor through the actions of ascrew 1036 and cog 105. In this case, the rod 1032 rotates a screw 1036that surrounds the rod 1032 at or near the end of the rod 1033. Thescrew 1036 is engaged with a cog 105 that is positioned about an axle1051. Rotation of the screw 1036 rotates the cog 105 and the axle 1051,which is securedly attached to the adaptor at the hole, or, as depictedhere, a collar 104. In other embodiments, the screw may be positioned onthe axle and the cog on the rod. A variety of structures are availableto secure the positions of the rod and axle to prevent disengagement.These structures are well known in the art.

Connector/User Knob Engagement

The flexible rod of the connector may directly or indirectly engage theadaptor. In most embodiments, the engagement will be direct. In manyembodiments, the end of the flexible rod, opposite that end positionednear the adaptor, is inserted into a hole or collar positioned near thecenter of the bottom surface of the user knob. The flexible rod may besecuredly attached or held by the user knob by a variety of methods. Inmany embodiments, the engagement may be secure but not permanent so thatthe user knob may be disengaged and re-engaged by the user. This abilityto dis-engage and re-engage the user knob may aid the user in selectingamong various methods of mounting the user knob and extension device tothe grill.

In many embodiments, the rod may be inserted into the hole in the userknob and secured by pins or screws or other structures that may allowthe user to disengage and reposition the user knob and connector. Inmost embodiments, the user knob includes a collar structure at the holein the top surface that is designed to receive the rod end, and maydefine one or more holes for insertion of pins, screws, or bolts. Inother embodiments, such as where the engagement between user knob andconnector is intended to be more permanent, the collar may be squeezedor crimped such that the collar compresses and holds the rod securedly.

As with the engagement structures of the adaptor and flexible rod, theend of the rod and the hole in the user knob may be configured toprevent slippage when a rotational force is applied. For example, insome embodiments the end of the rod defines a triangular, square,pentagonal, hexagonal, or other shape, while the adaptor hole defines asimilar and corresponding shape.

FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of the connector and user knob fixedlyengaged. In this embodiment, the user knob 102 includes a hole 1025positioned on the under surface 1021 of the user knob. A collar 1022 maydefine the hole 1025, and may include one or more holes 1022 on itsouter surface. The holes 1022 on the outer surface are configured toaccept a pin or screw 1023, while the inner hole 1025 is configured toaccept the rod 1032. The rod 1032 is inserted into the collar 1024 andheld fixedly in place by the pin or screw 1023. The pin or screw maypress against the rod or may enter the rod at a receiving hole (notshown).

As in the engagement of the adaptor to the connector, FIG. 9 depicts agap, G, between the user knob collar and the fitting 1034 of theconnector, wherein the flexible rod is visible. In most cases the gap,g, is less than about 10 cm, 9 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm, 1 cm, 9 mm, 8mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm, and greater than about0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8mm, 9 mm, 1 cm, 2 cm,3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm, or 9 cm. In most embodiments, thegap, g or G, is low to prevent excessive movement of the rod outside thehousing.

Uses for the Extension Device

The example extension knob may be also used with other types of gascylinders such as compressed gas cylinders such as helium, used forfilling balloons, or other gases used for instance in a lab ormanufacturing facility. These gases must be secured and if there aremany of them opening and closing of valves of gas cylinders in a secondrow for instance may be challenging. Other uses for the exampleextension device are also contemplated. Further examples include, butare not limited to any valve or other handle operated device (e.g.,water taps), especially those which may be remotely located (e.g.,within an engine compartment). Another use for the disclosed device isto allow heaters or stoves in temporary spaces (e.g. ice fishing house)to be fed by gas tanks located outside the space.

Many gas tanks manufactured and sold in the United States require theuser to apply about 16 lb/in to the knob in order to open and close thevalve. The disclosed extension device is designed to translate thisforce from the user knob to the valve knob with little or no loss inforce. Thus, in many cases, the disclosed extension device is intendedto apply torque at the valve knob of greater than 10 lb/in, 11 lb/in, 12lb/in, 13 lb/in, 14 lb/in, 15 lb/in, 16 lb/in, 17 lb/in, 18 lb/in, 19lb/in, 20 lb/in, 21 lb/in, 22 lb/in, 23 lb/in, 24 lb/in, 25 lb/in, 26lb/in, 27 lb/in, 28 lb/in, 29 lb/in, 30 lb/in, 31 lb/in, or 32 lb/in,and less than about 33 lb/in, 32 lb/in, 31 lb/in, 30 lb/in, 29 lb/in, 28lb/in, 27 lb/in, 26 lb/in, 25 lb/in, 24 lb/in, 23 lb/in, 22 lb/in, 21lb/in, 20 lb/in, 19 lb/in, 18 lb/in, 17 lb/in, 16 lb/in, 15 lb/in, 14lb/in, 13 lb/in, 12 lb/in, or 11 lb/in.

The example extension device enables a user to turn a valve handle froma remote location, for example at about waist level of the user, suchthat the user does not have to bend or lean over or around the grillarea to open and/or close the valve of a propane tank.

In some embodiments, the connector may be secured to the grill or otherstructure to prevent movement of the connector during use. In someembodiments, a pipe strap may be used to secure the flexible housing toa surface of the grill and/or other apparatus (e.g., table or wall).This connection may be placed anywhere along a connector, for examplethe middle.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description. As will be apparent, the inventionis capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrativein nature and not restrictive.

Although the present disclosure has been described with a certain degreeof particularity, it is understood the disclosure has been made by wayof example, and changes in detail or structure may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure as defined in the appendedclaims.

We claim:
 1. An extension device for remotely operating a valve, thedevice comprising: an adaptor; a user knob; a connector, comprising ahousing and a rod positioned within the housing, wherein the rod isconnected at one end to the adaptor and at the other end to the knob. 2.The extension device of claim 1, wherein the housing is attached to aside of a grill at or near the user knob, or the rod extends through asurface of the grill.
 3. The extension device of claim 2, wherein thesurface of the grill is a table or a face of the grill.
 4. The extensiondevice of claim 1, wherein the rod is a flexible shaft comprising metaland or plastic.
 5. The extension device of claim 4, wherein the rod ismetal comprising one or more layers of metal cable or wire.
 6. Theextension device of claim 1, wherein the adaptor defines a round,tri-point, or 5-point shape.
 7. The extension device of claim 6, whereinthe adaptor defines a tri-point shape.
 8. The extension device of claim7, wherein the adaptor is configured to securedly attach to a valve knobof a gas tank.
 9. The extension device of claim 8, wherein the gas ispropane
 10. The extension device of claim 1, wherein rod is securedlyattached to the adaptor.
 11. The extension device of claim 10, wherein acollar structure surrounds the rod at or near the end of the rod nearthe adaptor.
 12. The extension device of claim 11, wherein the collarengages the rod through one or more pins or screws.
 13. The extensiondevice of claim 11, wherein the collar is squeezed or crimped around therod.
 14. The extension device of claim 1, wherein the user knob isattached to the rod by a screw, bolt, or pin.
 15. The extension deviceof claim 1, wherein the adaptor includes one or more tabs extendingdownward from the top of the adaptor, the tabs having one or moredetents extending from an inner surface of the tab, wherein the one ormore detents may be positioned to engage one or more valve knobs havingone or more depths.
 16. A method for remotely operating a valve, themethod comprising: mounting an adaptor to a valve knob, wherein theadaptor is fixedly attached to a rod at a first end, and the rod ispositioned within a housing, and the valve knob operates a valve;securedly engaging the adaptor to the valve knob; mounting a user knobto the rod at a second end; rotating the user knob; transferring therotation of the user knob through the rod and to the adaptor; andthereby operating a valve.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein theadaptor securedly engages the valve knob with one or more pins, screws,bolts, tabs, detents, or a combination thereof.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the detents are defined by an inner surface of a tab on theadaptor.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the rod comprises one ormore layers of wire and/or cable.
 20. An extension device for remotelyoperating a valve of a propane tank on a barbeque grill, the devicecomprising: an adaptor comprising one or more tabs extending downwardfrom an upper surface of the adaptor, the tabs defining one or moredetents defined by the inner surface of the tab; a connector, comprisinga housing and a rod positioned within the housing, wherein the rodcomprises one or more layers of wire or cable, and is connected at oneend to the adaptor and at the other end to a user knob; wherein the userknob is reversibly attached to the rod by a screw, pin, or bolt; and oneor more clips configured to attach the housing to a barbeque grill.